Description
Product Overview of the Cisco Ethernet Switch
The HWIC-4ESW= is a Hot-swappable WAN Interface Card (HWIC) for the Cisco 2800 Series routers. It provides 4 Fast Ethernet ports for connecting to LAN devices or WAN services. The HWIC-4ESW= allows customers to add high-speed Ethernet connectivity to their Cisco 2800 Series routers, increasing network bandwidth and providing additional connectivity options. The HWIC-4ESW= supports various networking protocols and features, such as Quality of Service (QoS), VLANs, and Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP). This makes it suitable for use in a wide range of networking environments, from small branch offices to large data centers. Additionally, the HWIC-4ESW= supports both managed and unmanaged modes of operation, allowing customers to choose the level of network control that best fits their needs. The Cisco HWIC-4ESW is an expansion module designed to augment the capabilities of Cisco 2800 Series Integrated Services Routers (ISRs). Specifically, it serves as a 4-port Ethernet switch, enabling enhanced connectivity and networking functionality.
Understanding the HWIC-4ESW=
This expansion module is engineered to be seamlessly inserted into compatible Cisco 2800 Series routers, significantly extending their networking capabilities. It specifically furnishes the router with four additional Ethernet switch ports that support both 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps speeds.
Key Features of HWIC-4ESW=Port
The HWIC-4ESW= offers four switch ports, facilitating the connection of various devices like computers, printers, servers, and other networking equipment.
Fast Ethernet Support
Supporting both 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps speeds, this switch ensures efficient data transfer between connected devices within the network.
VLAN Support
The HWIC-4ESW= is compatible with VLAN configurations, allowing for the segmentation of networks. This segmentation aids in better management, security, and optimization of network performance.
Plug-and-Play
Its ease of installation simplifies the process significantly. Once inserted into the router, it can be swiftly configured for immediate use.
Advantages of HWIC-4ESW=Enhanced Connectivity
With the addition of four ports, the HWIC-4ESW= substantially increases the connectivity options of the Cisco 2800 Series router, facilitating direct connections for numerous devices without requiring extra switches.
Simplified Network Management
VLAN support and additional ports make network management more efficient, improving overall network performance and security.
Cost Efficiency
By eliminating the necessity for separate switches in smaller network setups, the HWIC-4ESW= offers a cost-effective solution for expanding network capabilities.
Seamless Integration
Designed specifically for Cisco 2800 Series routers, the HWIC-4ESW= ensures compatibility and reliability within the network infrastructure.
Applications of HWIC-4ESW=Small to Medium-Sized Businesses
For businesses needing a compact yet efficient network solution, the HWIC-4ESW= serves as an ideal choice to expand network connectivity without extensive infrastructure requirements.
Remote Offices
In settings where space and resources are limited, such as remote offices, this switch provides a compact solution for connecting multiple devices to the network.
Branch Networking
For larger enterprises with branch networking needs, the HWIC-4ESW= offers a straightforward means to extend network connectivity without complex setups.
Routing and Switching Protocols
The HWIC-4ESW= Cisco 2800 Series 4 Ports Ethernet Switch supports the following routing and switching protocols:
Routing Protocols:
- Routing Information Protocol (RIP)
- Open Shortest Path First (OSPF)
- Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP)
- Border Gateway Protocol (BGP)
Switching Protocols:
- Virtual LAN (VLAN)
- Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP)
- Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
- Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP)
- Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP)
These routing and switching protocols help enable advanced network capabilities, such as dynamic routing, load balancing, network resiliency, and security. They also allow the HWIC-4ESW= to be easily integrated into existing network environments, providing seamless communication between devices.
Power Options and Redundancy
The HWIC-4ESW= Cisco 2800 Series 4 Ports Ethernet Switch provides the following power options and redundancy features to ensure reliable network connectivity:
- Power: The HWIC-4ESW= can be powered either by an external power supply or by the internal power supply of the router in which it is installed.
- Redundancy: To ensure high-availability Ethernet connectivity, the HWIC-4ESW= supports Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), which allows multiple physical links to be combined into a single logical link. This helps ensure that if one of the physical links fails, traffic can still be transmitted over the remaining links.
In addition, the Cisco 2800 Series routers support redundant power supplies, which help ensure that the network can continue operating even if one of the power supplies fails. These power options and redundancy features help ensure that the HWIC-4ESW= can provide reliable and high-availability Ethernet connectivity for critical network applications.
General Information about this Cisco HWIC-4ESW=
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Model Number or SKU# HWIC-4ESW=
- Product Type: 4 Port-Ethernet Switch
Interfaces / Ports for 4 Ports Switch
- Number of Network Ports: 4
- Interfaces/Ports 4 x 10/100Base-TX
- Application/Usage Wide Area Network
- Interfaces/Ports Details 4 x RJ-45 10/100Base-TX Auto-sensing/Auto-negotiating/Auto MDI/MDI-X
Performance of Wide Area Network
- Connectivity Media Category 5 UTP 10/100Base-TX
- Connectivity Media Category 4 UTP 10Base-T
- Connectivity Media Category 3 UTP 10Base-T
- Data Transfer Rate 10 Mbps Ethernet Half/Full-duplex
- Data Transfer Rate 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet Half/Full-duplex
Miscellaneous
- Compatibility: Supported Platforms:
- 1841
- 2801
- 2811
- 2821
- 2851
- 3825
- 3845
In summary, the Cisco HWIC-4ESW= stands as a pivotal component in extending the capabilities of Cisco 2800 Series routers. Its multiple ports, fast Ethernet support, VLAN compatibility, and ease of installation make it an invaluable asset for businesses seeking to efficiently and cost-effectively enhance their network infrastructure.
